Celebrating Military Moms: Julie's Story

I didn't choose the military life - the military life chose me - when I fell in love with a man who always wanted to serve his country! Still, I know the life well, as both my parents were in the Army and it had a big impact on who I am today. Being a military brat (kid) has many challenges but there are a lot of cool things you get to experience too. I moved many times, changed schools and had to learn quickly how to make new friends. The shy girl in the back doesn't make friends as quickly as the one who introduces herself with a smile!

What do you want your kids to know?

Military life can be very unpredictable, and I have tried to always be a source of stability for my kids! I want my children to be true to themselves and do anything they want. They have that freedom because others fought for it, and they should be proud that their Dad, grandparents, and great-grandparents had a part in protecting that freedom.

Stability for a military mom can mean trying to keep an optimistic outlook on life and knowing the right decisions are not always the easiest. I kept that same optimism through breastfeeding five children. Each breastfeeding experience was different and some went more smoothly than others. My last was harder than I would have liked, as you can see inEven a Breastfeeding Mom of 5 Can Have Trouble with Breastfeeding. Sometimes as a mom we worry aboutNipple Confusion and other times it’s just an issue ofLow Milk Supply, but whatever the challenge, it can be frustrating and emotional. Luckily, I had the help of abottle that works like a breastto help me through transitioning from breastfeeding when I had low milk supply and had to bottle feed. When I was struggling to breastfeed my fifth child, I had plenty of stress with 5 kids and my husband being deployed. Using mimijumi was the right choice to get us through, and I am thankful it extended our breastfeeding time as long as it did.

What is the most difficult thing you have faced?

Creating a stable and happy life for them through the chaotic environment is important to me. We have survived three deployments in four years, six moves, and I have endured countless nights alone. I have been in situations I never thought I could handle and am definitely stronger for it. Granted, it’s not always pretty, and somedays you lay down next to your wine, crying in the fetal position, but somehow you get yourself through. My five children are also what keep me going - nothing else I could do in this life could top them!

What do you think about on Memorial Day?

As Memorial Day approaches, I remind myself of our Vets -- many that I have had the pleasure to know from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan – and the sacrifices they have made for us. Specifically, my Grandfather who was a POW in WWII. I can never understand the horrors they have lived through but am beyond thankful for men and women who sacrifice themselves for us. We will never forget those who have made the greatest sacrifice for their country. We are thankful to live in a free country that many have died for. We will be remembering the brave fallen and their families this Memorial Day.